Saturday Showdown: Magic Kingdom’s Original Mountain Range

By: Amy Kawa

In this series, we will examine some of Disney’s most heated battles. Us Disney fans are a passionate bunch, and when you ask us for our favorite mountain or if we prefer a Dole Whip or a Citrus Swirl, you will no doubt get our magical opinions.

Blast off into space on Walt Disney World’s original mountain. The wild mouse-type roller coaster takes place in the pitch black, making every sharp turn and drop a surprise. The darkness and use of lighting at the original “launch” also makes you feel like you’re whipping by at lightning speed. Space Mountain is Disney’s oldest mountain coaster – built in 1975 in Disney World – and the track has remained largely untouched since that time. The exterior of the coaster is also remarkable for something built in the 1970s, as it continues to dazzle guests with its futuristic appeal in several Disney Parks.

Contender #2: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

“Hang onto your hats and glasses, folks, cause this here’s the wildest ride in the wilderness!” Board a runaway train through an abandoned town years after the gold mine boom. These trains are said to be “possessed” and run on their own, racing down hills, banking hard around corners, and riding through bat caves and waterfalls. Big Thunder was built in 1980 in Disney World and finds itself at home in several other Disney Parks.

Contender #3: Splash Mountain

“Everybody’s got a laughing place!” Well, you’re off to find yours on Magic Kingdom’s third mountain. Join your friends from Song of the South, as Br’er Rabbit has gotten himself into some trouble with Br’er Bear and Br’er Fox. As you follow these two to try and catch that rabbit, you go through some of the most beautiful scenery and audio animatronics in all of Walt Disney World. Oh, and you might get a little wet when Br’er Rabbit takes his trip over the falls, and you along with him!

Alright, those are the contenders, who do you choose? Let us know in the comments below!

As for me? I go with Space Mountain all day, Splash as an incredibly close second options, and Big Thunder a distant third.